Veterinarians’ increasing burden raises animal welfare concerns
BBCAccording to Welsh veterinarians, the shortage of veterinarians could have a seriously negative impact on animal health.
Figures provided by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) show that the number of veterinarians in Wales has increased over the past 10 years – from just over 1,000 in 2014 to 1,488 in 2024.
But according to the British Veterinary Association, these figures do not take into account the significant increase in pet ownership, especially during and since the pandemic.
He also says the increase in paperwork and scrutiny vets face due to Brexit means they have less time to treat animals.
To put the increased burden in perspective, New pets welcomed into more than three million homes in the UK During the pandemic, often due to social isolation.
This brought the total number to more than 17 million.
“I graduated 10 years ago,” said veterinarian Elizabeth Harries.
“Like most people, I thought I would go out and do all the fun stuff, but unfortunately there is a lot of paperwork and that has increased.
“We have to record all our visits, our drug usage, batch numbers. We also have to help our farmers with their farm health plans, so that takes up a lot of our time.”
In her surgery, she describes how she could easily spend two or three hours in an eight-hour day doing paperwork.
“Unfortunately for obvious reasons our clinical work had to come first,” he said.
“It definitely contributes to the fact that our job is not a nine to five job.
“A lot of our paperwork is completed in the evening after we officially finish work.”
Ms Harries is a regular visitor to several sites – including Blenfinnon Farm at Horeb, near Llandysul in Ceredigion.
Such trips give her a chance to check on the cattle, as the relationship she forms with their owner is vital to keeping them healthy.
He believes that if visits were reduced, the animals would suffer, adding: “We are in a situation where if we can’t provide a 24/7 service, it will have a real impact on animal health and welfare. There will be a negative impact.
“Long term, if it continues like it is now, I don’t think it’s sustainable.
“I think the consequences for the health and welfare of animals could be huge.”
He believes that it is very important for the agriculture sector to get adequate staff to continue 24/7 service.
Ffion Rees, who farms in Blaenfynnon, agrees, saying: “We don’t want to see animals in pain.
“When we call the vet, we really need them.
“We need a veterinarian all day and all night. So, yes, it’s really important.”
Many vets told BBC Wales they have seen their workload increase, and according to the BVA this situation is being seen across Wales and the UK, especially in rural areas.
The Welsh Government said it was clear that veterinary competence and qualifications needed to be kept under review, and that it was aware of the challenges.
It adds that a veterinary school in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion continues to grow, and “plays an important role in encouraging our future veterinarians to study and practice veterinary medicine in Wales”.
The UK Government said it is working with key stakeholders to address the shortage in the profession.
This includes re-establishing the UK’s relationship with Europe and seeking a new veterinary agreement, as well as providing high quality veterinary education within the UK.
